NEW FLAGSHIP HQ FOR WATERWAYS IRELAND

Waterways Ireland is pleased to announce that it has awarded a contract for the construction of a new headquarters building in Enniskillen to RET Estates Ltd, a local construction company.

The procurement competition which is being project managed on behalf of Waterways Ireland by Central Procurement Directorate of the Department of Finance and Personnel NI generated high quality tender submissions. Following a detailed assessment process, the proposal from RET Estates Ltd was identified as the winning submission.

The construction and development of the building will be co-funded by the sponsor Departments (the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the South).

The state-of-the-art building, to be located on the Sligo Road, will be completed by the autumn of 2008. The building will not only provide a quality working environment for Waterways Ireland staff, but will be a landmark building which the people of Enniskillen can be proud of.

The project complies with the Government's 'Achieving Excellence in Construction for Northern Ireland' initiative which promotes design quality and sustainability in construction whilst achieving best value for money.

The Central Procurement Directorate as project managers and advisors, look forward to working with Waterways Ireland in the delivery of this prestigious project.

Mr. John Martin, Chief Executive, Waterways Ireland said "The accommodation of all Waterways Ireland staff in one location is a long sought after objective and I am grateful to all involved including the sponsor Departments for their contribution and assistance with the project. The proposed development and construction of the building will be a major boost to the economy of Enniskillen and indeed Fermanagh. "

For further information contact:

Mr. Nigel Russell, Director of Technical Services
0044 28 66346253 0044 77 89757195

Mr. Éanna Rowe, Head of Marketing and Communications
00353 87 6885963